Kelendria Trene “Kelly” Rowland[5] (born February 11, 1981) is an American singer, actress, and television personality. She rose to fame in the late 1990s as a member ofDestiny's Child, one of the world'sbest-selling girl groups. During the group's three-year hiatus, Rowland released her debut solo studio album,Simply Deep (2002), which debuted at number one on theUK Albums Chart and sold over 5 million copies worldwide.[6] It included theBillboard Hot 100 number-one single "Dilemma" (withNelly), as well as the UK top-five hits "Stole" and "Can't Nobody". Rowland also ventured into acting with starring roles inFreddy vs. Jason (2003) andThe Seat Filler (2005).
Kelendria Trene Rowland was born on February 11, 1981, inAtlanta, Georgia. She is the daughter of Doris Rowland-Garrison (December 6, 1947 – December 2, 2014)[10][11] and Christopher Lovett. She has an older brother named Orlando.[12] When Rowland was seven, her mother left her father, who was an abusive alcoholic and sufferedpost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from serving in theVietnam War, and Rowland went with her.[13][14] When Rowland was seven or eight, she and her mother relocated toHouston,[15] where at some point she moved in with fellowDestiny's Child memberBeyoncé, referring to Beyoncé's motherTina Knowles as "Mama T".[16]
Circa the early 1990s, Rowland joined Beyoncé,Tamar Davis andLaTavia Roberson in the girl groupGirl's Tyme.[17] Girl's Tyme competed on the nationally televised talent showStar Search,[18] but lost the competition to Skeleton Crew.[19][20][21] Beyoncé's fatherMathew Knowles reduced thesextet lineup to aquartet, including new memberLeToya Luckett, and began managing the group.[22] In 1995, they signed withElektra Records, who dropped them months later.[23]D'wayne Wiggins then began working with the group, and they were briefly signed to his label. The group went through several name changes, including the Dolls, Something Fresh, Cliché, and Destiny before deciding upon a final moniker.[24] Under the nameDestiny's Child, the group was picked up byColumbia Records. They continued performing as an opening act for other established R&B groups of the time, such asSWV,Dru Hill, andImmature.[25]
Along with their commercial successes, the group became entangled in much-publicized turmoil involving the filing of a lawsuit by group members Luckett and Roberson for breach of contract.Michelle Williams andFarrah Franklin appeared in the video of "Say My Name", and Luckett and Roberson were dismissed from the group. Franklin would eventually quit the group after five months.[20] After settling on their final lineup, the trio released "Independent Women Part I", which appeared on the soundtrack to the 2000 film,Charlie's Angels. It became their best-charting single, topping theBillboard Hot 100 for eleven consecutive weeks.[31] That same year, Luckett and Roberson withdrew their case against their now-former bandmates, while maintaining the suit against Mathew, which ended in both sides agreeing to stop public disparaging.
Later that year, while Destiny's Child was completing their third albumSurvivor, Rowland appeared on the remix ofAvant's single "Separated".Survivor, which channeled the turmoil the band underwent, spawned itslead single of the same name, which was a response to the experience.[33] The song went on to win a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.[34] The themes of "Survivor", however, caused Luckett and Roberson to refile their lawsuit; the proceedings were eventually settled in June 2002.[32] The album was released in May 2001, debuting at number one on the USBillboard 200 with first-week sales of 663,000 copies sold.[35]Survivor has sold over twelve million copies worldwide, over forty percent of which were sold in the US alone.[36] The album also spawned the number-one hit "Bootylicious" on which Rowland sang lead vocals. Before releasing their remix albumThis Is the Remix in 2002, the group announced a temporary hiatus to pursue solo projects.[37]
In 2002, Rowland was featured onNelly's single "Dilemma", which won the pair aGrammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.[38] The song became one of the most successful singles of the year, topping many charts worldwide, including the United States, where it became Rowland's first number-one single as a solo artist, selling worldwide over 7.6 million copies.[39][40][41] Caroline Sullivan ofThe Guardian wrote that because of the song's success, "Rowland is no longer a mere backing vocalist for Beyoncé.".[42]
Rowland's debut solo album,Simply Deep, was released on October 22, 2002, in the US. Featuring production contributions byMark J. Feist,Big Bert,Rich Harrison, and singersBrandy andSolange Knowles providing background vocals, the album took Rowland's solo work further into an alternative music mixture, which Rowland described as a "weird fusion [of] a little bit ofSade and a little bit of rock."[43][44][15]Simply Deep debuted at number 12 on theBillboard 200 and at number three on theR&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with first-week sales of 77,000 copies sold.[45] It was eventually certifiedgold by theRecording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[46] As of 2013,Simply Deep remains as Rowland's best-selling album in the US, with 602,000 copies sold.[45] Released to an even bigger success in international territories,Simply Deep topped theUK Albums Chart and became a gold-seller in Australia,[47] Canada,[48] and New Zealand,[49] resulting in worldwide sales total of 2.5 million copies.[50]Simply Deep yielded the international top-ten single "Stole" and the UK top-five single "Can't Nobody".Rowland transitioned into acting in 2002, playing the recurring role of Carly in the fourth season ofUPN sitcomThe Hughleys.[51] She continued her acting career the following year, with guest roles in UPN sitcomEve as Cleo, and inNBC drama seriesAmerican Dreams asMartha Reeves.[52] In August 2003, Rowland made her big-screen debut playing the supporting role of Kia Waterson alongsideRobert Englund andMonica Keena in theslasher film,Freddy vs. Jason, which grossed $114.5 million at the box office worldwide.[53][54]
In July 2005, Rowland starred oppositeDuane Martin andShemar Moore in the romantic comedyThe Seat Filler, which grossed $17.9 million worldwide.[55] She played Jhnelle, a pop star who falls for an awards-show seat filler whom she mistakes for a high-profile entertainment attorney.[56] After a three-year hiatus that involved concentration on individual solo projects, Rowland rejoined Beyoncé and Michelle Williams for Destiny's Child's final studio albumDestiny Fulfilled, released on November 15, 2004.[57] The album hit number two on theBillboard 200 and spawned the top-five singles "Lose My Breath" and "Soldier", which featuresT.I. andLil Wayne.[58] The following year, Destiny's Child embarked on a worldwide concert tour,Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It. During the last stop of the European tour inBarcelona, Spain, on June 11, Rowland announced that they would disband following the North American leg of the tour.[59] Destiny's Child released their firstcompilation albumNumber 1's on October 25 in the US, which peaked at number one on theBillboard 200. On March 28, 2006, Destiny's Child accepted a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame.[60]
AfterHurricane Katrina in 2005, Rowland and Beyoncé founded the Survivor Foundation, a charitable entity set up to provide transitional housing for victims and storm evacuees in theHouston, Texas area. The Survivor Foundation extended the philanthropic mission of the Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth, a multi-purpose community outreach facility in downtown Houston.[61] Rowland and Beyoncé lent their voices to a collaboration with Kitten Sera, titled "All That I'm Lookin for". The song appeared onThe Katrina CD album, whose proceeds went to the Recording Artists for Hope organization.[62] Rowland returned to television in 2006, playing Tammy Hamilton, in the sixth season of UPN sitcomGirlfriends. Rowland initially hoped her three-episode stint would expand to a larger recurring role, but as the show was moved toThe CW Television Network the following year, plans for a return eventually went nowhere.[63]
In June 2007, Kelly Rowland embarked on theMs. Kelly Tour to promote her second solo albumMs. Kelly. The five-date tour visited Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia.Ms. Kelly was released on July 3, 2007, in the United States. Originally titledMy Story, the album's first version was actually scheduled for a June 2006 release, but Rowland, her management and Columbia Records decided to shelve the album at the last minute to re-work a version with a different vibe as the singer considered the final track listing "too full of midtempos and ballads."[63][64] Rowland eventually consulted additional producers to collaborate on the album, includingBilly Mann, Mysto & Pizzi,Sean Garrett,Scott Storch, andPolow da Don.[65] Upon its release,Ms. Kelly debuted at number six on theBillboard 200 and number two on theR&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with first-week sales of 86,000 copies.[66] Outside the US, the album widely failed to reprise the success ofSimply Deep, barely reaching the top-forty on the majority of all charts it appeared on, except for the UK, where it opened at number 37.[67]
Ms. Kelly included theUK top-five hit "Like This", featuringEve, as well as the international top-ten hit "Work". In July 2007, Rowland released her first DVD titledBET Presents Kelly Rowland, which celebrates the releaseMs. Kelly and features an interview with Rowland about the album's production, footage of her time withDestiny's Child, live performances and music videos.[68][69] Following the album's lukewarm sales, it was re-released as anextended play (EP) titled,Ms. Kelly: Diva Deluxe, on March 25, 2008. The previously unreleasedBobby Womack cover "Daylight", a collaboration withTravie McCoy, served as the EP's lead single and was a moderate success in the UK.[67]
David Guetta and Rowland performing at the Orange Rockcorps in London in 2009.
In 2008, Rowland officially became an ambassador forMTV'sStaying Alive Foundation, which aims to reduce stigma against people living with HIV and AIDS.[74] She visited projects inTanzania andKenya to promote the charity and underwent an HIV test in Africa to raise awareness of the disease.[75] In 2009, Rowland connected with Serve.MTV.com, MTV's platform to connect young people with local volunteerism opportunities, for a series of on-airPSAs. From battling homelessness to beautifying impoverished neighborhoods to saving whales, Rowland was joined by the likes ofCameron Diaz,will.i.am, andSean Kingston as they discuss causes they volunteer to support and urge young people to join with their friends in making civic service a part of their lifestyle.[76] That same year, she spearheaded a bone marrow drive,[77] and joined fellow singersAlesha Dixon andPixie Lott to create T-shirts for River Island in aid of the Prince's Trust, profits from which help change young lives.[78]
In January 2009, Rowland ended her professional relationship with Beyoncé's father,Mathew Knowles, who had managed her career since she was a member of Destiny's Child. Knowles stressed that no animosity was involved in the decision and acknowledged that Rowland will always be a part of the Knowles family.[79] Then two months later, Rowland announced that she left Columbia Records, adding that she "felt the need to explore new directions, new challenges, and new freedoms outside my comfort zone."[80] In an interview withEntertainment Weekly, Rowland stated that the label ended her contract becauseMs. Kelly was not commercially successful.[81] She later signed withUniversal Motown Records.[82]
In April 2009, Rowland was featured onDavid Guetta's single "When Love Takes Over", which topped many charts in Europe, selling over 5,5 million copies worldwide,[83][84][85] and received a Grammy Award nomination forBest Dance Recording.[86][87]Billboard crowned the song as the number one dance-pop collaboration of all time.[88] In May 2009, Rowland was cast to host the first season ofBravo's reality competition seriesThe Fashion Show alongsideIsaac Mizrahi,[89] but was replaced by fashion modelIman in the second season.[90]
In 2010, Kelly Rowland launched I Heart My Girlfriends, a charity that focuses on self-esteem, date violence prevention, community service, abstinence, sports, drug/alcohol/smoking avoidance, obesity, disabilities, and education.[91] In April 2010, Rowland toured Australia alongsideAkon,Pitbull,Sean Paul,Jay Sean, and Eve for the Australian urban festival,Supafest.[92] Later that month, her song "Everywhere You Go", featuring an all-star supergroup of international artists calledRhythm of Africa United, was released as theMTN theme song for the2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.[93] In October 2010, theAmerican Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) honored Rowland at the second annual ASCAP Presents Women Behind the Music, an event that recognizes women in all areas of the music industry.[94] Rowland's first compilation album,Work: The Best of Kelly Rowland, was released on October 25, 2010, but failed to impact the charts.[95]
In January 2011, Rowland reunited with Nelly on "Gone", a sequel to their successful 2002 collaboration "Dilemma".[96] Upon its release, the song failed to reprise the success of "Dilemma". In April 2011, Rowland appeared on Italian DJAlex Gaudino's single "What a Feeling", which became another UK top-ten hit. During this time, Rowland's boyfriend (and future husband), Tim Weatherspoon, became her manager.[97]Originally scheduled for release in 2010, Rowland's third studio albumHere I Am was released on July 26, 2011, in the United States. The album sold 77,000 copies in its first week[98] and debuted atop theR&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[99][100]Here I Am produced the successful lead single "Commander", which peaked in the top-ten of many charts in Europe, and the UK top-ten single "Down for Whatever". It also included another successful single "Motivation", withLil Wayne, which topped theR&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for seven consecutive weeks and was certified double platinum by theRecording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[46][101][102] "Motivation" won Song of the Year at the 2011 Soul Train Music Awards[103] and Top R&B Song at the2012 Billboard Music Awards,[104] and received a Grammy Award nomination forBest Rap/Sung Collaboration.[105] Rowland was the face ofDiddy's women's fragrance Empress, the female counterpart to his men's fragrance I Am King.[106] She was also the worldwide ambassador for watchmakers companyTW Steel.[107] Rowland's second compilation album,Playlist: the Very Best of Kelly Rowland, was released on October 18, 2011, but failed to impact the charts. She also released her first fitness DVD titledSexy Abs with Kelly Rowland.[108] Later that year, it was confirmed that Rowland would replaceDannii Minogue as a judge for theeighth series ofThe X Factor UK alongsideLouis Walsh,Gary Barlow (who replacedSimon Cowell), andTulisa (who replacedCheryl Cole).[109] Rowland's team of contestants in the "Girls" category, includingAmelia Lily, becoming the last contestant eliminated in one series. Rowland would also later be revealed as the judge who formed the girl groupLittle Mix.[110] Due to a conflicting schedule, Rowland did not return for theninth series in 2012 and was replaced by former judge ofThe X Factor USA,Nicole Scherzinger.[111] During the Black Women in Music event held on February 8, 2012,Essence magazine honored Rowland and music executiveSylvia Rhone for their contributions to music.[112] In April 2012, Rowland toured Australia alongsideLudacris,Chris Brown,Trey Songz,T-Pain,Ice Cube,Lupe Fiasco, andBig Sean for the urban festival,Supafest.[113] That same month, she returned to the big screen playing the supporting role of Brenda in the romantic comedyThink Like a Man.[114] The film, which also starredMichael Ealy,Jerry Ferrara,Meagan Good,Regina Hall, andKevin Hart, topped the US box office and grossed $91.5 million.[115] Rowland recorded "Need a Reason" withFuture andBei Maejor for theThink Like a Man soundtrack.[116]
In June 2012, Rowland became the face of popularrum brandBacardi. Rowland and German production team Project B reworked the Bacardi song, "Bacardi Feeling (Summer Dreamin')", and released an accompanying music video to help promote the brand.[117][118] In August 2012, Rowland became a dance master in thefirst season of the Australian talent showEverybody Dance Now alongsideJason Derulo.[119] The show was canceled after the fourth episode due to poor ratings.[120]
In February 2014, Rowland was featured onJoe's single "Love & Sex Part 2".[127] In March 2014, she was named a spokesperson for cosmetic company Caress.[128] During an interview withHuffPost Live on March 26, 2014, Rowland revealed that she has begun recording her fifth studio album and said the new music, which encompasses horns, drums, and flutes, was influenced by iconic female singers includingDiana Ross.[129] Rowland also announced in the interview that she left Republic Records, adding that she "just needed a fresh, new start."[129] In June 2014, Rowland and Beyoncé were featured on Williams' single "Say Yes".[130] The same month, her song "The Game" and its music video appeared onPepsi's visual album for the2014 FIFA World Cup, titledBeats of the Beautiful Game.[131] On July 19, 2014, Rowland was featured on Adrian Marcel's song "Honey" from his mixtapeWeak After Next[132] and on Beau Vallis's song "Love Stand Still".[133] Rowland also contributed background vocals to the song "You're My Star", the first single released fromTank's 2014 albumStronger.[134][135]
In August 2015, she was featured on Jacob Whitesides's single "I Know What You Did Last Summer".[136] Rowland was part of the recurring cast of thesecond season of the television seriesEmpire. She played Leah Walker,Lucious Lyon's mother, in flashbacks and starred in five episodes. She recorded a song for the show called "Mona Lisa" which was included in the EPEmpire: Music from "Be True", released on October 21, 2015.[137] On October 26, 2015, Rowland released a new song titled "Dumb" which is rumored to appear on her upcoming fifth album. Rowland's new record does not have a release date yet.
Rowland, along withMissy Elliott,Kelly Clarkson,Zendaya,Janelle Monáe,Lea Michele, andChloe x Halle were all featured on a charity single put together by US First LadyMichelle Obama. "This Is For My Girls" was written byDiane Warren and was released on March 15, 2016. The song was created to raise funds and awareness towards Obama'sLet Girls Learn initiative – aimed at boosting education rates amongst adolescent girls around the world who are denied the right to an education.[138] TheiTunes-exclusive record was used to both coincide with Obama's Texan SXSW speech and to promote the "Let Girls Learn" initiative.[138] The following month, Rowland hosted BET's documentary seriesChasing Destiny, where she and choreographer/directorFrank Gatson Jr. searched to find the next superstars for an all-female group.[139][140][141] They eventually formed the girl groupJune's Diary.[142]
Rowland in 2018
On December 24, 2016, it was announced that Rowland would replaceRonan Keating as a coach on the sixth season ofThe Voice Australia, which aired in early 2017. Rowland played the role of Margot Scotts in the television filmLove By the 10th Date, which premiered onLifetime on January 28, 2017.[143] On April 11, 2017, Kelly released her first book namedWhoa, Baby!: A Guide for New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed and Freaked Out (and Wonder What the #*$& Just Happened).[144] On August 8, 2017, it was announced that Rowland was joining new judgeJennifer Hudson on the thirteenth season ofThe Voice US, who served as the winning coach on last season's The Voice UK. Hudson supported Rowland, a coach on the Australian version, as her advisor.[145] In April 2018, Rowland reunited with Beyoncé Knowles and Michelle Williams during Knowles' headlining set at theCoachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.[146] In the seventh season ofThe Voice Australia, she became the winning coach with two of her contestantsSam Perry andBella Paige became the final two, with Sam Perry as the winner and Bella Paige as the runner-up.[147]
In September 2018,BET announced that Rowland would star asGladys Knight in the seriesAmerican Soul.[148] She released a new single, "Kelly" on November 22, 2018.[149] In February 2019,American Soul premiered to positive reviews.[150] On February 6, Rowland released a second single called "Crown" with the music video in partnership withDove for the campaign #MyHairMyCrown.[151] In May 2019, she featured onCiara's song "Girl Gang" from the albumBeauty Marks. On May 18, Rowland published an EP titledThe Kelly Rowland Edition on streaming platforms.[152] She also continued her work at The Voice Australia, starred in television seriesL.A.'s Finest,Robin Thede'sHBO seriesA Black Lady Sketch Show, and the Christmas movie,Merry Liddle Christmas, produced by Rowland and her husband for Lifetime in December 2019.[153] As part of the Christmas movie, Rowland released a song, "Love You More at Christmas Time" via her own record label, KTR Records.[154][155] On April 17, 2020, Rowland released a single titled "Coffee" through KTR Records.[156] On May 6, 2020, she announced her management deal withRoc Nation.[157] This announcement meant Rowland's husband would no longer manage her.[158] In the ninth season ofThe Voice Australia, she became the winning coach for the second time with her contestantChris Sebastian as the winner.
Rowland made a cameo inBeyoncé'sDisney+ musical filmBlack Is King, which was released globally on July 31, 2020.[159] She appeared in the movieBad Hair, released onHulu, in October 2020.[160] Rowland recorded three songs for the movie's soundtrack.[161] That same month, she released her second single of the year titled "Crazy" on KTR Records, along with an official lyric video.[162] As part of theNFL's Songs of the Season campaign, Rowland released another single called "Hitman" in November 2020. An accompanying music video premiered on YouTube.[163] Rowland continued acting, starring inMerry Liddle Christmas Wedding, Lifetime's first-ever holiday sequel toMerry Liddle Christmas, which aired at the end of the month.[164] Rowland recorded a cover of "We Need a Little Christmas" to help promote the film, which she produced with her husband.[165]
To commemorate her fortieth birthday, Rowland released the dance-infused song "Black Magic" on February 12, 2021.[166] Her sons, Titan and Noah, make an appearance in the supporting visual.[167] On February 19, Rowland's EP,K, premiered on streaming platforms, alongside the music video for its opening track, "Flowers".[168] In November 2021, Rowland released a cover of "Wonderful Time" to support her third holiday movie,Merry Liddle Christmas Baby, which aired that month on Lifetime.[169] In November 2022, Rowland starred alongsideMarsai Martin andOmari Hardwick in theParamount+ filmFantasy Football.[170] On February 26, 2023, Rowland performed at the Domain Dance Party forWorldPride Sydney 2023.[171] On June 3, 2023, she headlined the EnglishMighty Hoopla music festival, held in London,[172][173] sharing the top billing with English electro bandYears & Years.[174] Rowland starred inTyler Perry'sNetflix legal drama,Mea Culpa which was released on February 23, 2024.[175][176]
In February 2025, it was announced Rowland would star alongsideMethod Man in the upcoming romantic comedyRelationship Goals.[177] In June 2025, it was announced that Rowland will debut as a coach onseries 14 ofThe Voice UK, set to premiere in early 2026.[178] On June 24, 2025, it was announced Rowland would appear as a support act forBrandy andMonica's the Boy Is Mine Tour' alongsideMuni Long andJamal Roberts; the tour will take place from October to December 2025.[179][180]
In December 2013, Rowland announced her engagement to Tim Weatherspoon during an appearance onThe Queen Latifah Show.[181] They began dating circa 2009,[182] after first meeting and becoming friends in the early 2000s,[183] when they were introduced by Rowland's Destiny's Child bandmateMichelle Williams.[184] They were married inCosta Rica on May 9, 2014,[185] and have two sons together, born in 2014 and 2021.[186][187] In June 2020, Rowland revealed she had reconciled with her estranged father, Christopher Lovett.[188]
Rowland's voice is classified as a three-octave lyricmezzo-soprano,[190] and her music includes various styles ofmusical genres such ascontemporary R&B,[191] pop,[192]hip hop,[193]soul,[194] rock,[191] and dance.[192] Her debut solo albumSimply Deep (2002) followed an adult-alternative rock sound, while her second albumMs. Kelly (2007) featured an R&B/Hip-Hop sound.[191][195] In an interview withThe Independent, Rowland admitted that with her first two albums, she struggled to find her sound. "I was in a stage with the first two records where I was searching, and I was like, let me try a rock-dance approach, the label [and management] wanted me to try it, and I did it ... And then after that came a more urban approach withMs. Kelly in 2007."[195] Her third albumHere I Am (2011) consisted of a pop and R&B sound, with subtle influences of dance.[192] Rowland stated that meetingDavid Guetta had influenced her to record dance music.[189] During production of the album, Rowland stated that part of the reason for the new sound onHere I Am was wanting to do something different, saying "I knew I couldn't be afraid of this direction, and I wasn't going to let the thoughts and opinions of others make me afraid to go in this direction".[195]
Most of the lyrical themes inSimply Deep (2002) speak of love and life experiences,[196] particularly in the songs "Dilemma", in which Rowland expresses her endless love to her love interest,[197] and "Stole", in which she sings about an emotional "tale of school shootings and suicides".[198] InMs. Kelly (2007), Rowland covers topics such as her "deeply personal relationship issues" in her songs, "Still in Love with My Ex", "Flashback", "Love", "Better Without You" and "Gotsta Go (Part I)".[199] Alex Macpherson ofThe Guardian noted that the songs could be about Rowland's former relationship with American football playerRoy Williams.[200]Here I Am (2011) included common themes of womanhood, sexual intimacy, and love.[201] Some of Rowland's other songs such as "Work", "I'm Dat Chick" and "Work It Man" have been musically compared to the work of formerDestiny's Child bandmateBeyoncé.[194][202][203]
Rowland stated that there was a time in her life when shestruggled with being dark-skinned.[214] In October 2007, Rowland underwent plastic surgery to receivebreast implants. She stated, "I simply went from an A-cup to a B-cup"[215] and that "the decision was 10 years in the making".[216] In 2012, Rowland ranked at number 61 onComplex magazine's list of "The 100 Hottest Female Singers of All Time"[217] and was recognized as one of the best-dressed women byGlamour UK.[218] In April 2013, Rowland ranked seventh onPeople's Most Beautiful in the World list.[219] On September 5, 2023, Rowland received the Fashion Icon of the Year Award at the 2023 Harlem's Fashion Row Show and Style Awards in New York City.[220]
Rowland branched out into acting with a guest stint on the sitcomThe Hughleys in 2002, before appearing in otherUPN shows such asEve andGirlfriends in the years of 2003 and 2006 respectively.[63] Having played the role of Tammy Hamilton, an ambitious 21-year-old apprentice to realtor Toni (Jill Marie Jones) in the latter sitcom, Rowland initially hoped her three-episode stint would expand to a larger recurring role, but as the show was moved toThe CW network the following year plans for a return eventually went nowhere.[63] Also, in 2003, she appeared inAmerican Dreams asMartha Reeves ofMartha & The Vandellas, singing a version of the group's single "Nowhere to Run".[52]
In 2002, Rowland was cast for her big-screen debut in theslasher filmFreddy vs. Jason, acrossover film directed byRonny Yu. Cast as one of the female leads, she portrayed Kia Waterson, the frank best-friend of lead characterLori Campbell, played byMonica Keena.[221] Released to generally mixed reviews from critics,Freddy vs. Jason topped the U.S. box office, gaining $36.4 million on its first weekend.[222] Budgeted at $25 million,Freddy vs. Jason was released in theaters on August 15, 2003, and became a financial success, resulting in a worldwide box office total of $114.3 million.[222]
The following year, Rowland returned to the big screen, this time for a lead role in the romantic comedyThe Seat Filler, starring oppositeDuane Martin andShemar Moore. Executive produced byWill Smith andJada Pinkett Smith, the film hit theaters in the summer of 2005 and debuted at number eighteen at the box office top twenty.[223] It eventually earned a total domestic gross ticket sales of $10.2 million. In the film, for which she recorded two songs, Rowland played a pop star who falls for an awards-show seat filler in which she mistakes for a high-profile entertainment attorney.[224] Released to a limited number of festivals only,The Seat Filler went straight to DVD in 2006.[63]
On May 30, 2011, Rowland was confirmed as a judge for theeighth series of the British television showThe X Factor to replaceDannii Minogue.[109][227][228] In addition to her judging stint, Rowland also had a supporting role in the motion pictureThink Like a Man (2012), which also starredKeri Hilson,Chris Brown, andGabrielle Union.[229] On April 30, 2012, it was officially announced that Rowland had departedThe X Factor UK, due to a conflicting schedule. She was replaced by former judge ofThe X Factor USA,Nicole Scherzinger.[230] Rowland was awarded Ultimate TV Personality at the 2011Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year Awards,[231] and TV Personality of the Year at the 2012 Glamour Women of the Years Awards, for her role on the show.[232] In August 2012, Rowland became a dance master alongsideJason Derülo, for thefirst season of the Australian dance talent showEverybody Dance Now.[233] However, on August 21, 2012, the show was canceled due to poor ratings.[120]
Rowland and the Knowles family founded the Survivor Foundation, a charitable entity set up to provide transitional housing for 2005Hurricane Katrina victims and storm evacuees in theHouston, Texas, area. The Survivor Foundation extended the philanthropic mission of the Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth, a multi-purpose community outreach facility in downtown Houston.[234] Also, in 2005, Rowland and Knowles lent their voices to a collaboration with Kitten K. Sera, titled "All That I'm Lookin for". The song appeared onThe Katrina CD album, whose proceeds went to theRecording Artists for Hope organization.[235]
In 2006, Rowland joined other artists such asPink andAvril Lavigne in ads for so-called empowerment tags for the ALDO Fights AIDS campaign, which went on sale exclusively at ALDO stores and benefited the YouthAIDS initiative.[71] In 2007, Rowland, along with stars such asJessica Simpson and the cast ofGrey's Anatomy autographed pinkGoody Ouchless brushes that were made available for auction oneBay, with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Awareness.[71] Also, the singer teamed up withKanye West,Nelly Furtado, andSnoop Dogg to design aNike sneaker for another eBay auction. All proceeds went to AIDS Awareness.[71]
In 2008, Rowland officially became an ambassador for MTV'sStaying Alive Foundation, which aims to reduce discrimination against people with HIV and AIDS.[236] She has since visited projects inTanzania andKenya to promote the charity, and underwent a HIV and AIDS test in Africa to raise awareness of the deadly diseases.[237] In March 2009, she spearheaded a bone marrow drive.[77] As reported, Rowland also is readying a new charity called I Heart My Girlfriends, which will serve as an interactive support system for teenage girls.[77]
In 2009, Rowland connected with Serve.MTV.com,MTV's platform to connect young people with local volunteerism opportunities, for a series of on-airPSAs. From battling homelessness to beautifying impoverished neighborhoods to saving whales, Rowland was joined by the likes ofCameron Diaz,will.i.am, andSean Kingston as they discuss causes they volunteer to support and urge young people to join with their friends in making civil service a part of their lifestyle.[238] Also, in 2009, Rowland, along with fellow singersAlesha Dixon andPixie Lott, created T-shirts for River Island in aid ofThe Prince's Trust, profits from which help change young lives. In March 2010, Rowland launched her brand new charity, I Heart My Girlfriends. According to Rowland's official website, the charity focuses on self-esteem, date violence prevention, community service, abstinence, sports, drug and alcohol and smoking avoidance, obesity, disabilities, education, and more.[239][240] On April 26, 2010, she was at Grand Ballroom's "City of Hope – Spirit of Life Awards" for a charity event.[241]
As a solo artist, Rowland has attained number-one singles on several charts in the United States, including one on theBillboard Hot 100 chart, two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and three on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart.[242] Internationally, she has achieved nine top-ten singles in the United Kingdom,[243] including two number-ones and one UK R&B number-one, and in Australia, she has released six top-twenty singles. With her works, she has earned over 47 international sales certifications to date. Rowland has won 19 awards from 54 nominations and a star onHollywood Walk of Fame as aDestiny's Child member. She has wonfour Grammy Awards from 17 nominations and has been honored by theAmerican Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers andEssence magazine for her contributions to music.
In 2003, Rowland received eight nominations and won five for the single "Dilemma" (a duet with American rapperNelly) for international awards. With "Dilemma", Rowland became the first Destiny's Child member to achieve aBillboard Hot 100 and a worldwide number-one single, and to win a Grammy Award as a solo artist. "Dilemma" was ranked fifth onThe 40 Biggest Duets Of All Time ofBillboard,[244] and has been amerengue version of the song in Spanish done by Papi Sanchez, under the title "Dilema". The song was the 22nd best-selling single of the 2000 decade in the UK[245]and appeared on the gameKaraoke Revolution Presents: American Idol. Rowland's second worldwide hit "When Love Takes Over" (with French DJDavid Guetta) received ten international nominations and won two awards. The single's Electro Extended Mix won a Grammy Awards in "Best Non-Classical, Remixed Recording" category. Other Rowland songs that have been nominated or awarded are "Commander" and "Motivation".
Entertainment Weekly named "Commander" the number-one summer jam of 2010 and it was named byFitness Magazine as one of "The Top 100 Workout Songs of 2010".
Rowland was awarded Ultimate TV Personality at the 2011Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year Awards,[246] and TV Personality of the Year at the 2012Glamour Women of the Year Awards.[247] In 2012, Rowland was named one ofGlamour's Best Dressed Women in entertainment.[248] In 2020, Rowland was awarded anNAACP Image Award for her guest performance in the television seriesAmerican Soul asGladys Knight.[249][250]
^"Driven: Beyoncé Knowles".VH1. Archived fromthe original on August 20, 2003.Beyonce's first group Girls Tyme suffers a devastating loss in their first national venture when they lose onStar Search.
^Correspondent, Greg Kot Music (August 17, 2001)."A DATE WITH DESTINY".Sun-Sentinel.com.Archived from the original on July 1, 2021. RetrievedFebruary 15, 2021.{{cite web}}:|last= has generic name (help)
^Sullivan, Caroline (February 7, 2003)."Kelly Rowland: Simply Deep".The Guardian. London.Archived from the original on December 31, 2013. RetrievedFebruary 23, 2009.
^Macpherson, Alex (December 14, 2007)."CD: Kelly Rowland, Ms. Kelly".The Guardian. London.Archived from the original on December 31, 2013. RetrievedMay 12, 2012.
